Lifetime of experience leads to perfect job

JCC Chicago could make no better hire for its new position of Inclusion Coordinator.

In fact, JCC Chicago President & CEO Addie Goodman created this position with Rena Rosen in mind.

In the post since last August while also teaching early childhood classes at Northbrook's Bernard Weinger JCC, 300 Revere Drive, on Aug. 23 Rosen transitioned full-time to her new role.

She brings a lifetime of inclusion experience to the post. Critical to her work, also sometimes a lack of inclusion.

She was born with a condition she said didn't even have a name at the time - craniofrontonasal syndrome. Born with a cleft lip, cleft palate and other craniofacial anomalies, Rosen experienced both the good and the bad in people.

"Growing up I was never treated differently from my family or close friends, but society showed me I was different through staring or through comments," she said.

"It took me till I was in college to really feel confident in feeling different and not feeling like I didn't belong."

Originally from Skokie and now living in West Rogers Park, Rosen brought that confidence to JCC Chicago.

"She has personally impacted hundreds of children and families, instilling in each of them a true understanding of what it means to be kind and compassionate. That Rena has faced personal challenges - and has brought those to the forefront in her work - positions her as a heartfelt advocate for all, both in the classroom and well beyond," Goodman said.

"Her candor about acceptance, kindness and compassion, fueled by her personal story, is incredibly inspiring. I have met few people who lead so naturally, especially in arenas where people may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable."

Rosen's tipping point came in a couple episodes at Northeastern Illinois University on Chicago's North Side, where she earned a bachelor's degree in fine and studio arts. She focused on photography while also taking classes in early childhood education and child development.

One pivotal moment came early in college when she decided to have cosmetic surgery on her nose. She felt empowered, allowing herself to make that change.

Her senior year, a photography project challenged students to create work "that would spark conversation and that meant something to us," Rosen said.

She had plenty to unpack there - highlighting the "beauty of differences," as she said.

It forced her to look not just in the mirror, or even outside of herself, but inward.

"I got a great grade," she said.

Rena also absorbed the grace of her mother, Terri Mlotek, who lives in Skokie.

"She taught me that regardless of your circumstances or what you look like, everyone deserves a chance to feel like they belong," Rosen said. "It takes courage to be kind, and when you are shown an inclusive community the opportunities are endless."

As Inclusion Coordinator working under Rachel Schwartz, JCC Chicago director of Social Services, Rosen expands those opportunities for students by working with departments and agencies to gain resources, education and support "to make sure that we are as accessible, inclusive and intentional as we can be," she said.

It comes in the form of the JCC Jewish Film Festival (one's coming up Oct. 1-17), in early childhood curriculum, in its variety of camps, within human resources, even enhancing the accessibility of the JCC Chicago website, www.jccchicago.org.

JCC works with agencies such as Keshet and the Nora Project, and in 2020 joined the SRE Network to address harassment, discrimination and inequity within the Jewish community.

"My main goal is that whoever comes into the JCC, from whatever background, whatever disability they have, they feel like the belong in our community," Rosen said.

"That fits along with our mission and the JCC intention, and I think my goal now is just to put a lot of that into action."

Moving out of the classroom does bring grief, she said, losing that immediacy with the children she loves. Yet, both she and Goodman recognize the great impact the new Inclusion Coordinator has.

"Rena's scope of work extends deeply into our classrooms, from Lake County to Lakeview," Goodman said.

Rosen still takes photos when she can, and is very active on social media. In 2015 she started a Facebook community called "Art of Compassion" (5,123 followers) that shares her story and similar ones of her friends.

In October 2020, she began a group on Facebook, "Knit for a unique fit." A friend whose daughter with Apert syndrome - a genetic condition that can cause deformities of the skull, face and limbs, according to Boston Children's Hospital - had wondered if anyone could make special winter gloves.

Nearly 1,600 people across 20 countries have joined that group, Rosen said, and more than 40 specialty items have been created.

In 2017, Rosen and Glenview teacher Jenny Schack co-authored a book, "The Courage to Be Kind," which teaches "children and parents how to act and respond when they see someone who looks different."

Jokingly, we asked Rosen what she does in her spare time.

"I'm doing it," she said.